Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Augusta-Richmond County, GA.

Accountant Career Guide: Augusta-Richmond County, GA

As a local career analyst who has watched the Augusta-Richmond County economy evolve for over a decade, I’ve seen accounting jobs shift with the region's growth. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a street-level look at what your accounting career looks like here—from the salary you can expect on the $85,227 median to the commute from your new home in Martinez.

Augusta is a city of dual economies: the steady, government-backed sector and the booming, private healthcare industry. For an accountant, that creates a unique blend of stability and opportunity. Let’s break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of building a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

First, the hard numbers. The accounting field here is stable but not explosive. The local median salary for accountants sits at $85,227/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.97/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, a common trend for the Southeast but one offset by a lower cost of living.

The job market is defined by its modest size: there are approximately 405 accounting jobs in the metro area. Growth isn't rapid, but it's consistent. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't the double-digit growth of tech hubs, but it provides a reliable foundation, especially for those seeking work-life balance over high-stakes hustle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Augusta follow a traditional progression. The city’s major employers value tenure and stability, so staying put often yields better raises than job-hopping.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Notes for Augusta
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Typically found in staff accountant roles at mid-sized firms or hospitals.
Mid-Career	$70,000 - $85,000	The sweet spot. You’ll find these salaries in corporate accounting and senior roles at regional firms.
Senior	$90,000 - $110,000	Usually requires CPA certification and some specialization (e.g., audit, tax).
Expert/Managerial	$115,000+	Controllers, CFOs at mid-sized companies, or partners at local firms.

Comparison to Other GA Cities

To put Augusta’s numbers in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against other key Georgia markets. Augusta offers affordability that Atlanta can’t match, though the salary ceiling is lower.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Job Market Size
Augusta-Richmond County	$85,227	96.7	405 Jobs
Atlanta-Sandy Springs	~$92,500	107.5	Very Large
Savannah	~$78,000	92.4	Medium
Columbus	~$72,000	85.0	Small

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to break into public accounting, the Big Four don’t have a major presence here. However, regional firms like Porter Keadle Moore and Cherry Bekaert have significant offices, offering a path to high-level experience without the Atlanta cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $85,227 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Augusta? Let's run the numbers with local context.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Accountant Earning $85,227:

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,102
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$1,700 (assuming single filer, no dependents)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$5,402
• Average 1BR Rent: $961/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Savings, Debt: ~$4,441

This leaves you with a healthy buffer. Augusta’s cost of living index is 96.7, meaning your dollar stretches further than the national average. You can comfortably afford the $961/month 1BR apartment while still saving 15-20% of your income.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The Augusta real estate market is among the most affordable in the nation for a metro of its size. As of late 2023, the median home price in Richmond County hovered around $225,000. For an accountant earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($45,000) is a significant but achievable savings goal over 2-3 years. A monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, could easily be under $1,500 for a starter home—often less than renting a larger space. This is a major draw for accountants looking to build long-term wealth.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

The accounting job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, government, and regional corporate headquarters. Here are the specific employers you should target:

1. Augusta University Health / Medical College of Georgia: As the largest employer in the region, the hospital system has a massive back-office accounting operation. They hire for roles in revenue cycle, payroll, and grants accounting. Hiring trends show consistent demand, especially for accountants familiar with healthcare billing compliance (HIPAA, etc.).
2. Club Car: This global manufacturer of golf and utility vehicles is headquartered in Augusta. Their corporate finance team is robust, offering roles in cost accounting, financial reporting, and internal audit. It’s a prime spot for industrial accountants.
3. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS): While technically in Aiken County just across the river, SRNS is a top employer for Augusta professionals. They manage the Department of Energy site and have a huge need for cost accountants, auditors, and compliance specialists with security clearance eligibility.
4. Textron Specialized Vehicles: Another major manufacturer, their accounting department supports brands like E-Z-GO and Cushman. Roles here often involve international accounting due to their export business.
5. Georgia-Pacific (Augusta Mill): This massive paper and pulp mill is a major taxpayer and employer. They need plant accountants, cost accountants, and financial analysts who understand manufacturing processes.
6. Government & Universities: The City of Augusta, Richmond County government, and Augusta University itself are steady employers. Government accounting jobs offer great benefits and stability, though salaries may be slightly below private sector median.
7. Regional CPA Firms: Firms like Habif, Arogeti & Wynne (a local powerhouse), Porter Keadle Moore, and Cherry Bekaert have significant local offices. They are the primary path for public accounting, audit, and tax work.

Hiring Trend Insight: The push for digital transformation is real. Employers are increasingly looking for accountants who are proficient in ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) and data analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau). Experience with these is a fast-track to higher-paid roles.

Getting Licensed in GA

If you're pursuing your CPA, Georgia’s requirements are straightforward but require meticulous planning. The Georgia State Board of Accountancy oversees the process.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

• Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, with a bachelor’s degree and specific accounting/business course requirements (24 hours in accounting, 24 hours in business). Most candidates complete a master’s in accountancy (MAcc) at Augusta University or through an online program.
• Exams: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
• Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam.
• Costs: Exam fees ($1,500), review course ($1,500-$3,000), application/licensing fees ($300). Total investment is roughly $3,300 - $4,800.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-6: Finalize education requirements (if not already met). Apply for the NTS (Notice to Schedule).
2. Months 7-18: Study for and pass CPA exam sections. This is the most variable part.
3. Months 19-24: Secure qualifying experience. You can start working while you study, but the experience must be verified post-exam.
4. Month 25+: Submit your application for licensure to the Georgia Board. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Augusta accounting community is tight-knit. Join the Augusta Chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs. It’s an invaluable resource for finding mentors, navigating the licensing process, and discovering job openings that aren’t publicly posted.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Augusta-Richmond County dramatically affects your commute and lifestyle. The metro is spread out, so targeting your job and home search is key.

1. Downtown/Midtown (Augusta):
   • Vibe: Urban, historic, walkable. Home to the Masters Tournament headquarters, many law firms, and some corporate offices.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants working downtown or at Augusta University. You can bike or walk to work. The nightlife and arts scene are strong.
2. Martinez/Columbia County:
   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, top-rated schools. This is where many professionals choose to live.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those working at Club Car or Textron (short commute) or who value a suburban lifestyle. Commute to downtown is 15-25 minutes via I-20.
3. North Augusta, SC (The "Other Side of the River"):
   • Vibe: Growing rapidly, with new developments and a revitalized downtown (Riverside Village). Just across the Savannah River.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Accountants working at SRNS or who want access to South Carolina’s tax benefits (no state income tax on Social Security). The commute to downtown Augusta is 10-15 minutes.
4. Grovetown:
   • Vibe: Fast-growing, affordable, with a small-town feel. It’s seen massive growth with the expansion of Fort Gordon (cyber command).
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious accountants. Commute to Augusta is 20-30 minutes. Great for someone starting out who wants to save money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Augusta, career growth is more about specialization and networking than rapid title changes.

Specialty Premiums:

• CPA Certification: This is non-negotiable for senior roles. It can add a $10,000 - $20,000 premium to your salary.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in manufacturing (Club Car, Textron, Georgia-Pacific). Can add a $5,000 - $15,000 premium.
• Data Analytics: Accountants who can interpret data and build dashboards are in short supply. This skill can fast-track you to a Financial Analyst or Controller role, often with a salary jump to the $95,000+ range.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Partner (at a local firm). Slower but steady partnership track.
• Corporate Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This path is common at the large manufacturers and hospital systems.
• Government/NFP: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Budget Director → Finance Director. Known for excellent benefits and job security.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 4% job growth rate, the market won’t be flooded, but it will be stable. The demand will come from replacing retirees and from the expansion of the healthcare and cyber sectors (Fort Gordon). Accountants who embrace technology will see the most opportunities. The ceiling for a Controller at a mid-sized company is around $130,000 - $150,000 in Augusta; to earn more, you'd typically need to move to a larger firm or a C-suite role at a major corporation.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

This is a city of trade-offs: affordability for salary, stability for explosive growth. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a fantastic place to build a career and life.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living. Your $85,227 salary feels like $110k+ elsewhere.	Salary ceiling is lower than in Atlanta or national hubs.
Stable, diverse employer base (healthcare, manufacturing, government).	Job market is small (405 jobs); less room for frequent movement.
Short, manageable commutes (avg. 20 mins).	Nightlife/culture is modest compared to larger cities.
Outdoor access (Savannah River, parks, golf). Masters Week is a global event.	Public schools are mixed; many professionals choose private or move to Columbia County.
Tight-knit professional community (easy to network).	Growth is slow-paced; not ideal for those seeking rapid career acceleration.

Final Recommendation:
Augusta-Richmond County is an ideal fit for mid-career accountants (5-15 years experience) seeking a balanced, affordable lifestyle. It’s perfect for those who value stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities, and who want to own a home and build equity early. It’s also a great launchpad for those starting out, allowing you to save money while getting solid experience.

If you’re a young, ambitious accountant looking to climb the Fortune 500 ladder or break into tech finance, Atlanta might be a better choice. But if you want a high quality of life, a low-stress commute, and a career you can build for decades, Augusta is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license transferable to other states if I move later?
Yes. Georgia is a member of the Interstate Mobility Act, which makes it easier to transfer your license to another state. You’ll likely need to meet that state’s specific work experience requirements, but you won’t have to retake the exams.

2. What’s the real impact of the Masters Tournament on the local economy and job market?
The Masters in April is a massive economic injection, but it doesn’t create permanent accounting jobs. It does, however, boost local corporate hospitality budgets and can lead to short-term consulting work. It’s a major networking event if you’re in the right circles.

3. How competitive is the market for entry-level accountants here?
Moderately competitive. With 405 jobs and a 4% growth rate, you won’t be competing with thousands like in Atlanta. Having your CPA exam passed (or at least one section) and any internship experience will make you a top candidate.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work from Augusta?
Yes, but it’s not the norm. The local employers are traditional. However, since the pandemic, some regional firms and companies have adopted hybrid models. You can also find fully remote roles with national companies, which is a popular path for accountants here wanting to boost their salary above the local median.

5. What’s the best way to get involved in the local accounting scene?
Start with the Georgia Society of CPAs (Augusta Chapter) and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Attend their events. Also, set up LinkedIn alerts for key employers like Augusta University and Club Car. The market is small enough that a personal referral from a local contact can make all the difference.